How to Install L-Bends over Rubber Grips on my Bicycle

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Bar ends add an extra hand position to flat-bar handlebars. Mountain bikers often hold onto bar ends during long climbs. Commuters and touring cyclists use bar ends to relax their arms and hands by changing their hand position. L-bend bar ends take their name from the way they curve into the letter "L". You can install L-bends over the rubber grips on your bicycle.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

Set of L-bend bar ends
Air compressor (optional)
Hairspray
Hex wrench set

Step 1

Loosen the bolt on the L-bend. Most L-bends will use either a 5-mm or 6-mm hex wrench. Loosen the bolt as far as you can without the nut falling off. You want the opening on the L-bends as wide as possible to make installation easier. Loosen the bolt over a table so you can find the nut or bolt should they fall off.

Step 2

Slide the grips off the handlebars. If you have access to an air compressor, slide the tip of the air compressor under the grip and use the air pressure to quickly slide off the grip. Without an air compressor, you can remove the grips with your hands by twisting the grip in a circular motion while you pull it off. Most grips are too sticky to pull straight off.

Step 3

Spray hairspray into the grips. Use a generous amount to coat the entire interior. Spray extra onto the handlebars where the grips were. Hairspray acts as a lubricant to help the grips more easily slide on again. When it's time to slide the grips on with the L-bars, you want as little resistance as possible. The hairspray will also help hold the grips in place once they're reinstalled.

Step 4

Slide the grips back onto the handlebars. Stop before you slide the last third of the grip onto the handlebars. Use the same twisting motion you used to take them off to replace the grips. Slide the last third of the grip back onto the handlebar with the L-bend there. Position the L-bend so it sits just at the end of the grip. This will be a tight fit. The last bit of grip with the L-bend may take some wiggling before it squeezes back onto the handlebar.

Step 5

Tighten the bolt on the L-bends. Make sure the L-bend sits in a comfortable position for the rider before you tighten the bolt. If you have to twist the L-bend, hold the grip in place so it doesn't slide around. After you tighten the bolt, push your body weight against it to make sure it doesn't slide on the grip.

Resources

Bonthrone Bikes: Advice on Buying Bar Ends

Article Written By Kathrine Cole

Kathrine Cole is a professional outdoor educator. She teaches rock climbing, backpacking, cycling, and bike maintenance classes. She is a graduate of the National Outdoor Leadership School, a Wilderness First Responder, and a Leave No Trace Trainer.

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